The United Kingdom is experiencing a spike in the Delta variant of COVID-19. In response, several countries around the world are suspending, limiting, or restricting travel from the UK.
Countries not listed below may have blanket restrictions. Travelers should check the UK Home Office guidance as these restrictions change often.
This list was originally published on June 29 and has been updated as governments evolve their restrictions.
Austria | Entry to Austria from the United Kingdom is currently prohibited. There are a number of exceptions to the law.
Bangladesh | Travelers from the UK must complete Health Declaration Forms and Passenger Locator Forms and present a negative COVID-19 test taken within the prior 72 hours. They may be subjected to additional health screenings at the airport. Passengers arriving from the UK, as well as other countries, are required to complete a 14 day period of quarantine. In most cases this will be home quarantine; however, health officials at the point of entry may determine that a government facility, or approved hotel, must be used instead
Barbados | All travelers from the UK must present on arrival a valid COVID-19 PCR negative test result taken no more than 3 days in advance of arrival.
Belgium | From Saturday, June 26, Belgium is banning travel from the UK and travelers who have spent time in the UK in the past 14 days. There are exemptions for the close family of Belgian nationals and residents, people traveling to their home, specific workers, and for compelling humanitarian reasons. Travelers will have to complete a passenger locator form, test, and quarantine.
Bonaire/St Eustatius/Saba | A flight ban is currently in place for flights to Bonaire from certain countries, including the United Kingdom. Entry to Saba and St Eustatius is subject to quarantine and testing requirements. Travelers from the UK must meet testing requirements and fill out a health declaration form. Testing and quarantine requirements vary depending on vaccination status and destination. More information can be found on the website of the government of Bonaire, website of the government of Saba, and on the website of the government of St. Eustatius.
Bosnia and Herzegovina | British nationals, including those with residence in Bosnia and Herzegovina, can enter Bosnia and Herzegovina with a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test result that is not older than 48 hours, confirmation of full vaccination, or a certificate from a doctor showing they have recovered from COVID-19, 14 to 180 days before arrival in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Chad | All passengers traveling from the UK are banned from entering Chad until further notice due to the COVID-19 Delta variant. UK travelers who enter Chad after a stay in a third country and are planning to stay in Chad for 7 days or more, will need to surrender their passport, quarantine at home for 7 days, and take a COVID-19 test on the seventh day. Passports will be returned upon presentation of the COVID-19 test receipt. Those staying in Chad for less than 7 days you will not need to quarantine.
Chile |Entry is prohibited for all non-resident foreign nationals who in the last 14 days have been in the United Kingdom or any other country with community transmission of SARS-CoV-2 or cases caused by variants of concern, as determined by the World Health Organisation. Direct UK-Chile flights have been suspended until further notice.
China | The Chinese authorities have suspended all direct flights from the UK. This measure will be subject to review but no date has been announced.
Croatia | UK nationals traveling to Croatia must present evidence of health status (a negative COVID-19 antigen or PCR test result taken up to 48 hours before arrival in Croatia, proof of vaccination, or a certificate of recovery following a positive test result between 11 and 180 days prior). Those traveling under the tourism exemption are required to hold a valid accommodation booking or proof of property ownership in Croatia.
In the case of a rapid antigen test, and a stay longer than 10 days in the Republic of Croatia, a test must be repeated within ten days from the date of issuing the first test.
Cyprus | The UK entered Cyprus’ Amber category on April 29. Passengers coming from Amber Category countries are required to undergo a PCR test within 72 hours prior to departure and provide proof of a negative result. Permitted travelers must complete a Cyprus Flight Pass before traveling. Travelers with proof of two COVID-19 vaccinations are not required to take a PCR test before departure.
Travelers to the north of Cyprus who have been in the UK within the previous 14 days are required to undergo a PCR test within 72 hours prior to departure and present a negative result upon entry. Travelers who are unvaccinated or who have not previously had COVID-19 are required to quarantine for 7 days at authority-designated accommodation. Both vaccinated and unvaccinated people from the UK will need to do a further PCR test upon arrival.
The Czech Republic | Travelers who have spent more than 12 hours in the UK during the previous 14 days, must present a negative RT-PCR test result that has been taken in the UK no longer than 72 hours before departure. On arrival in the Czech Republic, travelers must self-isolate for at least 5 days, before undertaking a further RT-PCR test between 5-7 days after arrival. A negative test result ends this period of self-isolation.
Denmark | The UK is categorized as an “orange” country with “red” regions. UK residents from red regions, regardless of vaccination status, will need a worthy purpose to enter Denmark, a PCR test 72 hours prior to entry, a test on arrival and will be required to self-isolate for 10-days, with the option to test to release after four days. For other travelers, the requirements vary based on vaccination status.
The Dominican Republic | From June 28, 2021, passengers arriving from the UK, or who have spent time in the UK in the preceding 14 days, will need to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before their arrival, or a vaccination card demonstrating a final dose administered no fewer than three weeks before their arrival.
Estonia | Travelers from the UK are required to self-isolate for 10 days. To shorten the self-isolation period, a negative PCR COVID-19 test needs to be taken no more than 72 hours before departure or a test taken on arrival in Estonia. Travelers can end their isolation period early after a second test on day 6. There are exemptions for individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 within the last 6 months or who are fully vaccinated.
France | The UK is currently on the French amber list. Those who are not fully vaccinated will only be permitted to travel for essential reasons and will need to present a completed International Travel Certificate to confirm their essential reason for travel, a completed ‘sworn statement’ certifying they are not experiencing symptoms associated with coronavirus and have not been in contact with confirmed cases in the preceding fortnight, and that they will self-isolate for seven days after arrival. Travelers ages 11 and older must provide a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure or an antigen test within 48 hours of departure. Unvaccinated travelers will need to self-isolate for 7 days after arrival, then take another PCR test following this period of self-isolation. Travelers who are fully vaccinated do not need an essential reason to travel to France and do not need to self-isolate on arrival.
French Polynesia | From June 9, those traveling to French Polynesia from France, the US, or the UK, do not need an essential reason for traveling, if fully vaccinated. Unvaccinated travelers do need an essential reason to travel.
Hong Kong | From July 1, all passenger flights from the UK will be suspended.
Morocco | On June 15, direct flights between the UK and Morocco resumed. Travelers will need to provide proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test result before boarding their flight or ferry to Morocco.
Myanmar | Residents of the United Kingdom, or those who have visited the United Kingdom within the previous 14 days, are currently unable to enter Myanmar.
Norway | The UK is currently classified as a red country, and travelers must present negative COVID-19 test results taken within thepast 24 hours upon arrival. Travelers are also required to complete a self-declaration form within 72 hours prior to arrival and you should expect to be tested on arrival. From June 21, travelers legally allowed to enter Norway who have been in the UK in the last ten days will be required to stay in a quarantine hotel. A negative PCR test taken after three days may allow the quarantine period to be shortened.
Oman | Travellers who have been in or transited through the United Kingdom in the previous 14 days cannot enter Oman, with the exception of Omani citizens.
Panama | From May 3, travelers who have spent the last 15 days in the UK. (or South Africa, India, or South America), or have transited through these countries, must provide a negative PCR or antigen test taken no more than 48 hours before their arrival. Upon arrival in Panama, travelers must take another test prior to registering with the immigration authorities.
If the additional test is negative, travelers must still quarantine in their homes, or at a government-approved observation facility, for three days. After the third day, travelers will be tested again. If the results of the day three test are negative, the quarantine measures can end. If the result of the additional test is positive, travelers need a PCR-RT by +ICGES test and must quarantine for 14 days at a government facility.
From June 21, travelers who have a negative COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours, proof of vaccination or who have recovered from COVID-19 are exempt from the 3-day quarantine and COVID-19 test on arrival.
Poland | Travelers who enter Poland directly from the UK (or any other non-EU or non-Schengen country), must undergo mandatory quarantine. They can leave quarantine after 7 days if you receive a negative antigen or PCR COVID test result, or after 10 days without taking a test. Quarantine is not required for fully vaccinated travelers or those who recovered from COVID-19 in the last 6 months.
Portugal | On Monday, June 28, Portugal put into effect quarantine requirements for British visitors if they are not fully vaccinated.
In place until at least July 11, unvaccinated British travelers arriving to Portugal by land, air, or sea, will have to complete 14 days of quarantine upon arrival. All passengers must complete the Passenger Locator Card, prior to departure to Portugal or on board.
Britons who travel to Portugal will also be required to self-isolate for 10 days when they return home from Portugal.
Romania | Travelers from the UK will be required to quarantine for fourteen days, with the exception of those who are fully vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19 between 14 and 90 days before arriving in Romania. Travelers who are staying for less than 72 hours do not have to quarantine if they present a negative RT-PCR test taken within the previous 72 hours.
Singapore | From June 24, there are new requirements for travelers who have been in the UK or another ‘high risk’ country up to 21 days prior to entry. These requirements are subject to change at short notice. See the Singapore Government website for more information.
The Solomon Islands | The UK is a “Restricted Country” and passengers from Restricted countries will not be accepted for travel unless they are a Solomon Island citizen or can satisfactorily demonstrate that they have completed the prescribed course of a COVID vaccine at least 4 weeks prior to travel. To enter the Solomon Islands from Restricted countries (only eligible for fully vaccinated travellers) passengers must undertake three COVID-19 PCR prior to flight departure and negative test results are required. Quarantine in Honiara will be 21 days.
Spain | From July 2, the Spanish government requires UK travelers to present a negative COVID-19 test or proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours prior to arrival.
All travelers are required to complete a pre-travel declaration form.
Spain is also on the UK’s “Amber List” and travelers who go to Spain will have to quarantine for 10 days and test on days 2 and 8.
St. Kitts and Nevis | Travelers from the UK are currently not allowed to enter St Kitts and Nevis. Once the advisory has been lifted, all travelers from the UK must have received two doses of the COVID vaccine and submit an online notification to St Kitts and Nevis authorities. Fully vaccinated travelers will be asked to “Vacation in Place” at a Travel Approved hotel for nine days.
Sweden | A temporary entry ban applies to passengers arriving from countries outside the EU/EEA, including the UK. Some categories of passengers from the UK are exempt from this entry ban, including those who live in Sweden.
Switzerland | Travelers from the UK are restricted from entry to Switzerland. The UK is considered a “high risk country” and UK nationals and other non-Swiss nationals arriving from a ‘high risk country or outside the Schengen area are not permitted entry to Switzerland. Travelers from “high risk countries” will need to present a negative COVID-19 test result (PCR), carried out less than 72 hours before arrival and complete an online form before entering Switzerland. Those arriving in Switzerland from the United Kingdom, regardless of nationality, are required to self-isolate for 10 days from the date of arrival. The quarantine can end after day 7 with a second COVID-19 test.
From June 26, travelers who can adequately demonstrate they have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will no longer have to present a test on arrival or quarantine.
These restrictions do not apply to UK nationals who are legal residents in Switzerland; they will need to show proof of residence. These restrictions do not apply to UK nationals who are traveling from other Schengen countries.
Taiwan | From June 27, 2021, all passengers arriving directly from the UK (and Brazil, India, Peru, Israel, Indonesia, and Bangladesh), or those who have been in one of these countries in the preceding 14 days, are required to complete their mandatory 14-day quarantine at a designated quarantine facility. A COVID-19 PCR test will be required upon arrival at the facility and one day before the end of the mandatory 14 day quarantine period. A positive test will mean hospitalization. An additional 7 day self-health management period is then required. This applies to all nationalities and is irrespective of the purpose of travel.
Turkey | From June 1, passengers arriving from UK (Iran, Egypt, or Singapore) will require a negative PCR test taken within the 72 hours prior to arriving in Turkey. This is not required for those passengers transiting Turkey en route to another country.
Uganda | All travelers from the UK, Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, Turkey, the UAE, and the US are required to undergo PCR testing at the border at their own expense. As of June 11, 2021, travelers who fully vaccinated and show no symptoms are exempt from the testing requirement.
Ukraine | Upon arrival, all non-exempt foreign nationals are required to provide proof of health insurance that covers COVID-19 observation and treatment for the duration of their stay. From July 2, 2021, non-resident foreign nationals arriving from the UK (as well as India, Portugal, and Russia) or who have spent 7 or more days of the previous 14 days in those countries, must take an express test at the border crossing, and receive a negative result, before being allowed to enter Ukraine.
Resident foreign nationals and Ukrainian citizens (including dual nationals) returning from the UK, India, Portugal, or Russia, or having spent 7 or more days of the previous 14 days in those countries, must also take an express test at the border crossing. If they receive a positive result, they will be allowed to enter Ukraine but will be required to undergo further medical observation at the discretion of the Ukrainian authorities.
This is in addition to the requirement for all non-exempt foreign nationals to provide proof of one of the following in order to enter Ukraine:
- A negative PCR test, taken no more than 72 hours in advance of their arrival in Ukraine.
- A rapid test for COVID-19 antigens (RAT), taken no more than 72 hours in advance of their arrival in Ukraine.
- An official document confirming the receipt of a full course of vaccination against COVID-19 with vaccines included in the WHO list of approved vaccines for emergency situations.
The United Arab Emirates | Residents, tourists, and visitors traveling from or through the UK and arriving in Dubai and Abu Dhabi must have a negative COVID-19 PCR test which was taken no more than 72 hours before departure, and present the certificate at check-in. Travelers arriving in Abu Dhabi will also be required to undertake a COVID-19 PCR test on arrival. Travelers arriving in Dubai may be required to undertake a further COVID-19 PCR test on arrival and will have to isolate pending the result of the COVID-19 PCR test.
Travelers who test positive for COVID-19 on arrival, depending on their symptoms and their accommodation plans, may be required to self-isolate in a government facility, a hospital, your hotel, or privately arranged accommodation for at least 10 days.
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to send updates as more news is available. If you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions, please contact your employer or EIG attorney.